Uncaser



March 21, 1967 BARKER ETAL 3,310,187

UNCASER Filed Sept. 14, 1965 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS HEOD RE LBARKER LUTHER M. HAMRICK AT TYS.

ATTYS.

March 21, 1967 L. BARKER ETAL UNCASER Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 14, 1965 QUE mm March 9 i967 T. BARKER ETAL 3,310,187

UNCASER Filed Sept. 14, 1965 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 TH ODORE LYal fin -x n R AYU HER M. HAMRlCK ATTYS.

United States Patent 3,310,187 UNCASER Theodore L. Barker and Luther M. Hamrick, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, assignors to Geo. J. Meyer Manufacturing Co., Milwaukee, Wis.

Filed Sept. 14, 1965, Ser. No. 487,219 14 Claims. (Cl. 214-304) The present invention relates, in general, to cardboard box or case opening and dumping apparatus and particularly to apparatus that is provided to facilitate opening the flaps on a cardboard case, box or the like, by reversing the position of a case being processed.

In business today, in many instances, large quantities of articles, such as cans, are shipped from the can manufacturer to a customer who has bought such containers or cans for processing them to fill them with some suitable material for ultimate resale purposes.

When these unfilled containers, or cans are shipped from the can manufacturer to the customer, normally these c-ans or containers are shipped in substantially rectangular, box-like shaped cases or boxes that are made from corrugated paperboard, or other equivalent materials. Such cases normally have two end flaps on the upper portions thereof, and two side flaps that are normally folded in over the top of the case after the end flaps have been brought into closed position whereby the boxes or cases are closed for shipping purposes so that when the contents of the case are to be used, the two side flaps must be folded to open positions and then the two end flaps on the case or box must be swung outwardly to open position so that the contents of the box or case can be removed.

Various efforts have been made heretofore to provide satisfactory case opening apparatus to expose the contents of the case for removal by inverting the case, by power or magnetic means engaging the contents of the case, or by other action. In all events, it is'difficult to process a large number of these cases rapidly and efiiciently so as to expose the contents of the case for convenient removal therefrom.

In these case opening actions, it has been conventional to open the side flaps on the case by some type of a plow means, and usually some type of a hook member is used for opening the trailing flap of the case, but the leading end flap of the case is the one that has been the most difiicult to open in machinery and apparatus as made today.

The general object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved box opening and dumping apparatus and particularly to provide'a novel case reverser for use in box opening and dumping actions.

Another object of the invention is to provide a case opening apparatus characterized by the provision of means in the apparatus for reversing the case being opened after the side and origin-a1 trailing end flap thereon have been opened whereby the original leading end flap of the case is now the trailing end flap of the case and it can be opened by relatively uncomplicated, positive acting means.

Another object of the invention is to provide means in case processing apparatus for engaging a corner of the leading end of the case after certain flaps thereon have been opened, and then to cause the case to start to turn about its longitudinal axis, and to engage the case with a flexible driven belt member at a corner and side portion thereof so as to positively turn the case through 180, as it is being moved along by a driven conveyor.

Other objects of the invention include the provision of special mounting means for positioning an endless belt for engagement with -a side and corner portion of a case to facilitate turning action thereof; to provide novel and 3,310,187 Patented Mar. 21, 1967 "ice improved resilient means in association with a case inverting apparatus after the case has been opened to prevent undesired spilling of the contents of the case; to provide special means for substantially lifting a case from a driven carrier conveyor as rotation of the case about its longitudinal axis through an arc is being effected; to provide novel means for riding over an open leading end flap of a case by means used for engaging a closed trailing end flap of the case for opening action thereon as the case is being moved along by a driven conveyor; and to provide novel and improved positive acting apparatus of relatively inexpensive, uncomplicated construction for rapidly and positively reversing a case as it is being moved along a driven conveyor to move the case through a fixed path.

The foregoinng and other objects and advantages of the invention will be made more apparent as the specification proceeds.

Attention now is particularly directed to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of apparatus embodying the principles of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary plan view of the lower portion of the apparatus of FIG 1 showing the initial path of movement of a case being processed by the apparatus of the invention for flap opening and reversing action;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary vertical section, partially shown in diagrammatic form, of the means used for open ing the trailing end flap on a case as it moves through the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary plan view, partially shown in diagrammatic form, of a case being processed in the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 as such case is started to be rotated on its longitudinal axis;

FIG. 5 is a view taken subsequent to the action shown in FIG. 4 and showing further positive rotation of the case about its longitudinal axis;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary vertical section, partially shown in diagrammatic form, of a means and apparatus used for opening the trailing end of a case after it has been rotated on its longitudinal axis and showing the means riding over the then leading end opened end flap of the case;

FIG. 7 shows further progressive relative movement between the case of FIG. 6 and the associated trailing end flap opening member;

FIG. 8 shows the final action of the apparatus of FIGS. 6 and 7 in opening the trailing end of the case;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary vertical section, partially shown in diagrammatic form, of the means used to engage the cases, as the cases are inverted in the apparatus;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary vertical section taken on line 1il10 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary vertical section showing an inverted case as it is progressively moved further through the apparatus and the contents thereof are starting to be discharged;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary vertical section of a modified form of the apparatus of the invention as used for proc essing the cans having a multiplicity of vertical layers of cans or other articles therein and showing the discharge action for the contents of these cases; and

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary right side elevation of the case engaging portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

When referring to corresponding members shown in the drawings and referred to in the specification, corresponding numerals are used to facilitate comparison therebetween.

Generally speaking, the present invention in its broadest aspect relates to a case reversing apparatus for articles such as rectangular boxes, cases or the like, and Where the apparatus comprises a driven conveyor for moving cases along through a fixed processing path, a pivotally positioned arm having a portion thereon extending out into the path of and above the conveyor, which arm is adapted to be struck by a corner of a case as moved along by the conveyor and with the arm moving outwardly of the conveyor to start pivotal movement of the case or article about the arm due to the continued drive of the conveyor and the article thereon abutting against the arm, a driven belt is also provided, and means are present that engage the belt to secure it in a position laterally opposite to the arm adjacent the path of the conveyor, which belt is substantially parallel to the conveyor and above it and has a resiliently positioned inner course, the belt being positioned for laterally outward movement under predetermined forces being exerted thereon, and with the arm being limited in outward movement and the inner course of the belt being positioned a distance apart less than the diagonal width of a case or article on the conveyor whereby when a corner of the case is engaged by the arm, the case will start to pivot therearound by outward movement of the arm and an opposite corner of the case will be engaged by the belt to aid in positively turning the case through substantially a 180 arc after which the case continues on its movement with the conveyor.

Attention now is particularly directed to the details of the structure shown in the accompanying drawings. Such structure, which can be called an uncaser, or a case reversing apparatus, is indicated as a whole by the numeral 1 and it includes a suitable frame 2. This frame positions at substantially conventional conveyor belt 3 or the like thereon by a plurality of means such as rolls 4- and 5 that engage the conveyor so that articles such as substantially rectangular paperboard or cardboard boxes 6 can be positioned on this conveyor 3 in any suitable manner and move therealong through a guided, controlled path. Normally these cases 6 have a pair of end flaps thereon that initially are folded inwardly of the case to enclose any contents, such as empty cans or containers that may be received in the case 6, and a pair of side flaps, that extend the length of the case, have been folded inwardly on the top of the end flaps to close the case for convenient storage and/ or shipment of the cases with the products or containers therein. As the cases are moved along the controlled path by the conveyor '3, initially a conventional member, such as a plow 7, engages side flaps 8 and 9 of the case 4 and moves them to a laterally outwardly extending, or open position. The cases 6 being processed in the apparatus, are suitably guided with relation to the conveyor 3, as by a plurality of guide members, or rolls 11) or the like provided adjacent the lateral margins of the conveyor 3 so that the cases have a controlled path which accurately positions them in relation to the plow 7 and other processing means in the apparatus. After the side flaps 8 and 9 of a case 6 are open, then a member, such. as a hook 11 or the like is suitably pivotally positioned on the frame 2 and is adapted to extend down into the case 6 to engage the then trailing end 12 of the case and move it to an open position by the relative movement of the case 6 along with the conveyor 3 in relation to the hook 11. After the side and initial trailing end flaps of the case 4 have been opened, then the case is moved or discharged by the conveyor 3 onto an adjacent and continuing conveyor 13 that is positioned by suitable means, such as rolls 14 and 15 and which, as a feature of the invention, serves as a speed up or accelerating conveyor so that any cases discharged from the conveyor 3 will tend to be spaced from each other even though initially abutted against each other on the conveyor 3. The conveyors 13 and 3 are driven in any suitable manner by conventional means, and the details of such drives are not an important element of the present invention. If necessary, an additional guide roll 15a may be associated with the upstream end of the conveyor 13 to aid in receiving cases 6 from the conveyor 3 and transferring them to the conveyor 13.

In all events, as an important feature of the present invention, the frame 2 has a member, such as an arm 16 positioned on the frame 2 by means of a support 17. The arm 16 normally is positioned as shown in FIG. 2 by suitable resilient means (not shown). Such support 17 is adapted to permit resilient laterally outward movement of the arm 16, in the downstream portion thereof with relation to conveyor 13, and with the arm 16 normally having a foot or section 18 thereon that extends laterally inwardly of the conveyor 13 so as to be in the path of any and all cases 6 as moved along through a fixed path by the conveyor 13. FIGS. 4 and 5 show that the laterally inner portion of the arm section 18 will engage the leading end of a case 6 as it is moved along the conveyor 13 and will stop further movement of the case with the conveyor. Usually the arm section 18 has a stop, or plate 19 provided thereon that extends in an upstream direction from the arm section 18 so that the arm section 18 and stop 19 combine to form a corner engaging portion on the arm 16 whereby engagement with a case 6 is limited and controlled. FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 show the progressive action of the apparatus of the invention in starting one of the cases 6 to be reversed through an arc of by the apparatus of the invention. A stop 16a is provided to limit outward pivotal movement of the arm 16 so that a fixed pivot point is, in effect, formed for the corner of a case engaging the arm 16.

It is a further feature of the present invention that a belt 20 is positioned adjacent the conveyor 13 on the opposite lateral side of such conveyor to the arm 16, but with such belt extending in a downstream direction past the arm section 18. Such 'belt 20 is suitably positioned, as by means of a pair of pulleys 21 and 22, the pulley 22 being rotatably supported on the frame 2. The pulley 21 is journalled on a suitable shaft 23 secured to a bar or tube 123 telescoped into a guide 124. The guide 124 is affixed to the frame 2 and the bar 123 is resiliently drawn into the guide by a spring 125. The belt 2% hence is tensioned between the pulleys 21 and 22 and its inner course 24 may deflect under the forces exerted thereon by a turning box or case. The belt may be otherwise positioned so that in all events, some yieldability, or resiliency is provided in the inner course 24 of the belt 20. The belt 20 can be made from any suitable material, but preferably the peripheral portion of this belt is of a roughened nature or the belt may be made from a plurality of links to provide for frictional engagement between the inner course 24 of the belt and a corner portion of a case 6 being turned opposite to the corner thereof being engaged by the arm 16 and associated means. Usually the belt 2t: is positioned substantially parallel to the conveyor 13, but this belt 20 may be inclined slightly upwardly in a downstream direction, with relation to the normal fiat surface of the conveyor 13 and the horizontal path thereof. By such positioning of the belt 20, the inner course 24 of the belt tends to lift the case 6 being processed slightly with relation to the conveyor 13 and this facilitates turning the cases being processed through a substantially positive or controlled 180 are by its engagement with the belt 20. Any suitable guide means, such as one or more guides or rolls 25 is positioned on a vertical axis for movement in a horizontal direction adjacent and downstream of the arm 16 to aid in the turning of cases as released by the arm 16 so that their longitudinal axes extend exactly parallel to the axis of the conveyor 13 and with the case again having a controlled longitudinal movement through the apparatus of the invention, as hereinafter described.

FIG. 5 of the drawings best shows that as a corner 6a of the case 6 being turned is released by the arm 16 and starts to move longitudinally with the conveyor 13, the opposite side but adjacent corner 6b of the case will normally be abutted against the stop, roll, or guide 25 adjacent the arm 16 and the case will be pivoted therearound by the final turning action effected on the case by the inner course 24 of the belt which is constantly urging such case laterally inwardly of the conveyor 13. When excessive pressure is set up on the belt by the turning action effected on the case, the belt can yield slightly by pulling the bar 123 out farther from the guide 124. Then the continued turning movement of the case will cause its corner 6a to swing-free of the arm section 18 and the belt 20 forces the case corner 6b over to contact the guide and help turn the case into substantial longitudinal alignment with the axis of movement of the conveyor 13 by continued turning of the case about the guide. The guide 25 is spaced from the arm 16 at least the width of the case 6 and preferably a slightly greater distance. One or more belts 20 may be used. Now that the case 6 has been turned in the apparatus, the initial leading end flap of the case is now a trailing end flap of the case and it is indicated at 26 in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8. These figures of the drawings clearly show the action of the apparatus in opening the final end flap of the case.

Any other suitable guides can be associated with the conveyor to aid in centering the case on the conveyor for action in opening the now second trailing end flap 26 of the case 6. Hence, FIGS. 2, 6, 7 and 8 show the action of the guides, which include members, such as guide rolls 27 and 27a, positioned adjacent one lateral margin of the conveyor 13, and a guide plate 28 that is positioned against the opposite lateral margin of the conveyor 13 and is adapted to engage one of the cases 6 and urge it against the guide rolls 27, 27a and the like. Such guide plate or member 28 is suitably positioned on the frame 2, as by means of a pair of parallel links 29 and 30 and by a tension spring 31 so that the guide plate 28 will engage one side of the case 6 and help center it on the conveyor 13 against the guide rolls 27 and 27a. The plate 28 has a curved upstream end 128 to aid in completely aligning the longitudinal axis of the case with the conveyor 13.

The actual trailing end flap opening means for the downstream portion of the apparatus forms a further feature of the invention and preferably comprises a pair of arms 32 and 33. The arm 32 has an elongate shoe 34 pivotally positioned thereon, which shoe has an upwardly inclined lower edge 35 on its front end that is positioned to bear upon the now leading end flap 12 of the case and urge it downwardly due to the weight of the shoe 34. The shoe 34 is arcuate in vertical section and normally is positioned with its front section being inclined upwardly to facilitate sliding engagement and hold down action on the leading end flap 12 of the case. The shoe 34 may have an extention arm 135 protruding in a downstream direction therefrom. The arm 32 adjustably engages a support arm 134 that is pivotally supported by a pivot pin 36 at the upstream end of the support arm 134. Such support arm 134 extends in a downstream direction from a support 37 that is suitably and fixedly secured to the frame 2 above and associated with the conveyor 13. The arm 33 is pivotally secured to the downstream end of the support arm 134 and is free for only vertical movement downwardly in relation thereto from a position aligned therewith. The arm 33 has a suitable flap engaging means, such as a book 39 formed on, or secured to and extending downwardly from the free end of the arm. The shoe is adapted to ride along and over the tops of a plurality of articles 40 carried by the case 6 and drop into an upwardly inclined position as soon as it has passed over a case. In contrast, the arm 33 is so positioned that it will ride along the case 6 usually between a pair of longitudinally extending parallel rows of the articles 40, as indicated in FIG. 7, whereby when the case 6 has so proceeded through the apparatus that the hook 39 is adjacent the now trailing end flap 26, the hook will engage the trailing end flap and swing it to an open position, as indicated in FIG. 8. At the same time, the shoe 34 assumes a position for engaging the following case. The flap opening action for the case 6 now has been completed and the case can be suitably processed to dump or otherwise dispose of the contents, such as the articles 40, received within the case 6 so that they can be further processed in any desired manner.

As a further aspect of the present invention, case dumping means are shown so that the processing of a case and its contents can be completed. Hence, immediately adjacent the downstream or discharge end of the con veyor 13, a wheel or drum 41 is suitably journalled on the frame 1 and this drum 41 is shown as having a pair of inflated pneumatic inner tubes 42 and 43 secured to the periphery thereof, as indicated in FIG. 9. These tubes are immediately adjacent the upper surface of a case 6 being discharged from the conveyor 13 and a separate driven control conveyor or belt 44 is provided adjacent this discharge end of the conveyor 13 and the belt is brought into resilient engagement with the base or bottom portion of a case 6 as it is discharged from the conveyor 13 to retain the case and the opened upper end thereof against the peripheral portions of the tubes 42 and 43 with the end flaps being retained in their opened positions, as indicated in FIG. 1 of the drawing. The belt 44 is suitably supported as by a plurality of guide rolls 45, 46, 47, 48 and 49 to be led through a controlled path to aid in inverting the cases being processed with the aid and assistance of the drum 41 and the tubes 42 and 43 positioned thereover. Usually some loop or festoon is provided in the belt 44, as indicated by a roll 50, whereby a resilient take-up force is set up on the belt 44 to permit it to engage one or more cases as they are being moved around the periphery of the drum 41. At the upper end of the drum 41 and tubes 42 and 43, a suitable member, such as a support plate 51, is provided to receive the inverted cases as they are moved out of engagement with the drum 41 and associated means. A downwardly inclined article receiving conveyor 52 of any suitable construction is provided adjacent the downstream edge of the support 51, and this conveyor can be positioned by suitable members, such as rolls 53 and 54.

The support plate has special guide and drive means associated therewith at the lateral margins of the support, as indicated in FIG. 10. Thus guides 55 and 56 are positioned at the lateral margins of the support plate 51 and they carry suitably positioned driven belts and 156 that engage the side flaps 8 and 9 of a case 6 being processed. The guides 55 and 56 have covers 57 suitably hinged thereto at 157 to bear on the side flaps of the case 6 and force them against the belts 155 and 156 to move the case along in the apparatus. The end flaps of the case will normally engage the support plate 51 and be initially retained in open position thereby so that as the case is removed from the support plate 51 along an upwardly inclined path, the contents of the case will drop down onto the downwardly inclined conveyor 52 for suitable processing in any known manner by coventional means. The covers 57 are longitudinally divided into several sections and the first of these sections on each side of the case has several rolls 157 suitably journalled thereon to bear on the case side flaps. Preferably these rolls 157 are so positioned as to be outwardly inclined at an acute angle to pull the case open and facilitate release of articles therefrom. Conventional means, such as driven knocker arms (not shown) may be provided in the apparatus at these first sections of the covers 57 to strike the case side flaps adjacent the case and aid in article release. The cases being processed in the apparatus of the invention are also supported on means, such as a plurality of longitudinally extending wires or cables 70, that extend longitudinally of the apparatus in alignment with and between the belts 155 and 156. Such cables 70 are suitably secured at one end to the downstream edge, for example, of the support plate 51 and are parallel to each other and are positioned intermediate the rows of the articles received in the cases 6 whereby as the inverted cases are moved beyond the leading edge or downstream edge of the support plate 51,

then the articles can drop down onto the downwardly inclined conveyor 52 intermediate the various cables 70. Also, the cardboard nests in the cases and the cases 6 are retained with the end flaps opened on the cables 70 for movement along an upper portion of the apparatus with the case end flaps opened. The opened cases are then positioned upright by means, such as a pair of resilient tubes 59 and 60 that engage the sides of the processed cases and move them up and around to be stripped from the tubes by a discharge conveyor 61. The tubes 59 and 60 may be slightly inflated and in all events have sufficient strength and resiliency as to engage and lift cases readily. The tubes 59 and 60 press inwardly on the cases enough to retain the case nests therein as the cases are returned to upright position.

In FIG. 12, apparatus is shown for processing cases 6a that have two horizontal layers of the articles received therein so that when these cases 6a are processed in the apparatus, initially after moving beyond a support plate 51a, the lower layer 40a of the articles received in this inverted case would be engaged by a conveyor 152 and move out of the case. The articles may drop down between a plurality of spaced longitudinally extending wires 70a and then, because of the limited vertical height provided for receipt of the deposited articles and the short longitudinal extent of this area, the second or upper layer of articles 4% within the case 6a would then become the lower series of articles and would drop down onto a second suitable receiving conveyor, or chute 80 downstream of the apparatus from the initial discharge zone for the cases 60. A second support plate 81 is provided at a distance only slightly greater than the length of one of the articles 40a from the conveyor 152. A plurality of longitudinally extending wires or cables 70a extend from the second support plate 81 provided in the apparatus to support the cases 6a as the second layer of articles are being dropped down onto the receiving conveyor, plate or chute 80*.

The various conveyors, belts, etc. in the apparatus can be provided with connected or independent drives as desired. Any conventional adjustable guides, rollers or the like can be used in the apparatus to aid in providing a. fixed path for the cases being processed.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that a novel and improved uncaser apparatus has been provided by the invention. This apparatus is particularly adapted for reversing cases being processed whereby the side flaps of the cases can be readily opened and the initial trailing end flap of the case is conveniently opened in a substantially conventional manner. However, the invention contemplates the provision of special means for opening the second trailing end flap of a case after it has been reversed in the apparatus. The apparatus is positive acting, is relatively compact and inexpensive and will be automatic in functioning. Thus, it is thought that the objects of the invention have been achieved.

While two complete embodiments of the invention have been discolsed herein, it will be appreciated that modification of these particular embodiments of the invention may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A case reversing apparatus for rectangular boxes, cases or the like and comprising a driven conveyor for moving cases therealong,

a pivotally positioned arm having a section thereon extending out into the path of but above said conveyor, said arm being adapted to be struck by cases moved along with said conveyor,

a stop plate secured to said section of said arm and extending therefrom normal thereto to engage a side of a case engaging said arm to limit movement of a case along said section,

a driven belt, and 1 means engaging said belt at opposed portions thereof "5 to secure it in a position laterally opposite to said arm adjacent the path of said conveyor but extending downstream from said arm, said belt being adjacent said conveyor and above it and having a resiliently positioned inner course,

said stop plate and said inner course of said belt normally being positioned a distance apart less than the diagonal length of said case whereby when a corner of a case is engaged by said arm section, it will start to pivot therearound by outward movement of said arm and an opposite corner of said case will be engaged by said belt to turn the case through a sub stantially arc. l

2. A case reversing apparatus for rectangular boxes,

cases or the like and comprising a driven conveyor for moving cases therealong,

a pivotally positioned arm having a section thereon extending out into the path of but above said conveyor, said arm being adapted to be struck by cases moved along with said conveyor,

a driven belt,

a pair of means engaging said belt to secure it in position laterally opposite to said arrn adjacent the path of said conveyor but extending downstream from said arm, said belt being substantially parallel to said conveyor and above it, and

means resiliently positioning at least one of said belt engaging means for movement of said belt out of its normal course when deflection forces are exerted on said belt, said arm section and said inner course of said belt normally being positioned a distance apart less than the diagonal length of said case whereby when a case is engaged by said arm section, it will start to pivot therearound by outward movement of said arm and an opposite corner of said case will be engaged by said belt to turn the case through a substantially 180 arc.

3. A case reversing apparatus for rectangular boxes,

cases or the like and comprising a driven conveyor for moving cases therealong,

a pivotally positioned arm having a section thereon extending out into the path of but above said conveyor, said arm being adapted to be struck by a corner of a case moved along by said conveyor and to move outwardly of the conveyor a limited distance to start the case to pivot about said arm,

a driven belt,

means engaging said belt to secure it in position laterally opposite to said arm adjacent the path of said conveyor, said belt being substantially parallel to said conveyor and above it and having a resiliently positioned inner course,

said arm section and said inner course of said belt normally being positioned a distance apart less than the diagonal length of said case whereby when a corner of a case is engaged by said arm section, it will start to pivot therearound by outward movement of said arm and an opposite corner of said case will be engaged by said belt to turn the case through a substantially 180 arc, and

guide means positioned downstream of said arm on the same side of said conveyor as said arm and adjacent said arm to provide a means to engage a second corner of said case and prevent downstream movement of said case while still being turned by said belt.

4. Apparatus for opening the flaps of a rectangular paperboard case, box or the like filled with containers, which apparatus comprises conveyor means for receiving cases and moving them in longitudinal alignment along a fixed path, and means for opening the side flaps and end trailing flap of a case moved through said path by said conveyor means, the improvement comprising means associated with said conveyor means for engaging a said case and turning it end for end after said trailing flap is opened,

means for engaging and opening the now trailing end flap of the turned case, and

a member to engage the opened then leading end flap of the turned case and retain it open to prevent engagement of such flap by said last-named means.

5. Apparatus for opening the flaps of a rectangular paperboard case, box or the like filled with containers which are arranged in rows within the cases, .which apparatus comprises conveyor means for receiving cases and moving them in longitudinal alignment along a fixed path, means for opening the side flaps of a case moved through said path by said conveyor means, and means for engaging and opening the trailing flap of a said case, the improvement comprising means associated with said conveyor means for engaging a said case and turning it end for end after said trailing flap is opened,

hook means for engaging and opening the trailing end flap of the turned case, and

a member operatively associated with said last-named means to engage the opened then leading end flap of the turned case and retain it open to prevent engagement of such flap by said hook means.

6. Apparatus as in claim where said hook means and said member each comprise a pivotally positioned arm operatively carried by a support and extending downwardly in the apparatus, said member arm having a shoe pivotally secured thereto to bear on the leading end flap and on the containers in a case as it is moved past said member arm, and said hook means arm being positioned and constructed to drop between rows of said containers to engage the trailing flap of a case as moved downstream relative to said arms.

7. Apparatus as in claim 5 where said hook means and said member each comprise a pivotally positioned arm operatively carried by a support, said member arm having means thereon bearing on the opened leading end flap of a case as it is moved by said member arm, said hook means arm being positioned and constructed to engage and open the trailing fiap of a case as moved relative to said arms.

8. Apparatus for opening the flaps of a rectangular paperboard case, box or the like comprising a conveyor for receiving cases and moving them in longitudinal alignment along a fixed path,

plow means for opening the side flaps of a case moved through said path by said conveyor,

means for engaging and opening the trailing flap of a said case,

means associated with said conveyor for engaging a said case and turning it end for end after said trailing flap is opened,

means for engaging and opening the trailing end flap of the turned case, and

a member operatively associated with said last-named means to engage the opened then leading end flap of the turned case and retain it open to prevent engagement of such flap by said last-named means.

9. An opening and dumping apparatus for rectangular paperboard cases, boxes and the like comprising conveyor means for receiving cases and moving them in longitudinal alignment along a fixed path,

plow means for opening the side flaps of a case moved through said path by said conveyor means,

means for engaging and opening the trailing flap of a said case,

means associated with said conveyor means for engaging a said case and turning it end for end after said trailing flap is opened,

means for engaging and opening the trailing end flap of the turned case,

a member operatively associated with said last-named means to engage the opened leading end flap of the turned case and retain it open to prevent engagement of such flap by said last-named means,

a rotating wheel positioned at and above a discharge end of said conveyor means, a driven belt means engaging said case after the flaps thereon are opened and forcing the open top of said 5 case towards said wheel for movement therearound to an inverted open position for discharge of the contents of the case, and

resilient means on said wheel and forming the periphery thereof to engage said case and the contents thereof as said case is moved around said wheel.

10. A case reversing apparatus for rectangular boxes,

cases or the like and comprising a driven conveyor for moving cases therealong,

a pivotally positioned arm having a section thereon extending out into the path of but above said conveyor, said arm being adapted to engage a corner of cases moved along by said conveyor and to move a limited distance outwardly of the conveyor to provide a fixed pivot point for a case to start it to pivot about said arm,

a driven belt for engaging and turning cases end for end,

a plurality of means engaging said belt to secure it in a position laterally opposite to said arm adjacent the path of said conveyor, said belt being substantially parallel to said conveyor and above it and having a flexible inner course,

a guide member positioned downstream of said arm to engage the opposite but adjacent side corner of a case when released by said arm, and

a member resiliently positioning one of said belt engaging means for movement to permit said belt to be deflected laterally outwardly by a case engaged therewith for turning action, said arm section and said inner course of said belt normally being positioned a distance apart less than the diagonal length of said case whereby when the corner of a case is engaged by said arm section, it will start to pivot therearound by outward movement of said arm and a diagonally opposite corner of said case will be engaged by said belt to turn the case through a substantially 180 are, which action is aided by said guide member.

11. An opening and dumping apparatus for rectangular paperboard cases, boxes and the like comprising conveyor means for receiving cases and moving them in longitudinal alignment along a fixed path,

plow means for opening the side flaps of a case moved through said path by said conveyor means,

means for engaging and opening the trailing flap of a said case,

means associated with said conveyor means for engaging a said case and turning it end for end after said trailing flap is opened,

means for engaging and opening the trailing end flap of the turned case,

a member operatively associated with said last-named means to engage the opened leading end flap of the turned case and retain it open to prevent engagement of such flap by said last-named means,

means for inverting an opened case,

a support plate to receive the inverted opened case and having a discharge edge,

means for receiving the contents of the inverted case positioned adjacent but below the discharge edge of said support plate, and

a plurality of parallel wires secured in position above said last-named means and extending downstream from said discharge edge to receive and support the case nest and the opened end flaps thereon, said wires permitting the contents of a case to drop therethrough.

12. An opening and dumping apparatus for rectangu- 75 lar paperboard cases, boxes and the like comprising conveyor means for receiving cases and moving them in longitudinal alignment along a fixed path,

plow means for opening the side flaps of a case moved through said path by said conveyor means,

means for engaging and opening the trailing flap of a said case,

means associated with said conveyor means for engaging a said case and turning it end for end after said trailing flap is opened,

means for engaging and opening the trailing end flap of the turned case,

a member operatively associated with said last-named means to engage the opened leading end flap of the turned case and retain it open to prevent engagement of such flap by said last-named means,

means for inverting an opened case,

a support means to receive the inverted opened case and guide in the apparatus,

conveyor means for receiving the contents of the inverted cases positioned adjacent but below and inclined downwardly of said support means,

said cases having two vertically spaced horizontally extending layers of articles therein, and

a econd support means for said inverted cases and case nests spaced downstream from said first support means and being above said conveyor means a distance but slightly greater than the height of an article in said case whereby as an article drops from the lower layer of said case, it is tilted downwardly but the article previously in the upper layer has dropped down in the case but still is on a vertical axis and moves onto said second support means with downstream movement of said case.

13. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said means associated with said conveyor for engaging said case and turning it end for end include a pivotally positioned arm having a section thereon extending out into the path but above said conveyor,

a stop means carried by said section of said arm forming a case corner engaging portion, and

a driven belt positioned adjacent the conveyor and laterally opposite to said arm, said belt extending in a downstream direction past said arm section.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13 and including a guide means positioned on a vertical axis adjacent to and downstream of said arm to aid in the turning of said cases when released by said arm.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,445,899 2/1923 McGregor 198-33 2,605,883 8/1952 Thames 198-33 2,761,263 9/1956 Bruce 214304 X 2,951,603 9/ 1960 Preuss 2143 11 3,071,911 1/1963 Heide 214304 X 3,080,041 3/1963 Luce m. 19833 HUGO O. SCHULZ, Primary Examiner. 

11. AN OPENING AND DUMPING APPARATUS FOR RECTANGULAR PAPERBOARD CASES, BOXES AND THE LIKE COMPRISING CONVEYOR MEANS FOR RECEIVING CASES AND MOVING THEM IN LONGITUDINAL ALIGNMENT ALONG A FIXED PATH, PLOW MEANS FOR OPENING THE SIDE FLAPS OF A CASE MOVED THROUGH SAID PATH BY SAID CONVEYOR MEANS, MEANS FOR ENGAGING AND OPENING THE TRAILING FLAP OF A SAID CASE, MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH SAID CONVEYOR MEANS FOR ENGAGING A SAID CASE AND TURNING IT END FOR END AFTER SAID TRAILING FLAP IS OPENED, MEANS FOR ENGAGING AND OPENING THE TRAILING END FLAP OF THE TURNED CASE, A MEMBER OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH SAID LAST-NAMED MEANS TO ENGAGE THE OPENED LEADING END FLAP OF THE TURNED CASE AND RETAIN IT OPEN TO PREVENT ENGAGEMENT OF SUCH FLAP BY SAID LAST-NAMED MEANS, MEANS FOR INVERTING AN OPENED CASE, A SUPPORT PLATE TO RECEIVE THE INVERTED OPENED CASE AND HAVING A DISCHARGE EDGE, MEANS FOR RECEIVING THE CONTENTS OF THE INVERTED CASE POSITIONED ADJACENT BUT BELOW THE DISCHARGE EDGE OF SAID SUPPORT PLATE, AND A PLURALITY OF PARALLEL WIRES SECURED IN POSITION ABOVE SAID LAST-NAMED MEANS AND EXTENDING DOWNSTREAM FROM SAID DISCHARGE EDGE TO RECEIVE AND SUPPORT THE CASE NEST AND THE OPENED END FLAPS THEREON, SAID WIRES PERMITTING THE CONTENTS OF A CASE TO DROP THERETHROUGH. 